The 36-year-old actress and star of US TV show "Suits" spoke candidly about her romance with the 33-year-old British Prince.

"We're a couple. We're in love," she told the magazine. "I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It's part of what makes it so special, that it's just ours. But we're happy.

"Personally, I love a great love story."

Reitmans

Markle spoke about how she copes with the tabloid scrutiny on her high-profile relationship, that in November last year led Prince Harry — whom she then called her "boyfriend" — to issue a statement defending her.

"It has its challenges, and it comes in waves—some days it can feel more challenging than others," she said. "And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriend's support."

Markle also revealed that the pair were secretly dating for months before the news became public.

"We're two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people's perception. Nothing about me changed. I 'm still the same person that I am, and I've never defined myself by my relationship."